Fantastically Preserved Mythological Paintings Unearthed by Archaeologists in Pompeii
Archaeologists conducting ongoing excavations at the historical site of Pompeii have unearthed miraculously preserved paintings within a large banquet hall. Pompeii Sites reported the astonishing discovery.
The hall itself, roughly 49 feet long and 19 feet wide, opens into a courtyard that “seems to be an unroofed access room with a long undecorated staircase leading up to the first floor,” according to the outlet. Found beneath the staircase were construction items, indicating that work had just completed or was about to resume on the structure.
“Someone had drawn, in charcoal, two pairs of gladiators and what appears to be an enormous stylized phallus on the fresh plaster of the arches of the large staircase,” the site reported.
Many of the paintings within the hall depict heroes of mythology and the Trojan War. Cassandra, Priam’s daughter, is seen on the walls of the dining room along with Apollo, the son of Zeus and Leto. The inclusion of famous mythological figures in the painting served as a conversation starter in the luxurious banquet hall, fueling fervent debates and discussions between dinner party guests.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the Director of the Archaeological park of Pompeii, explained to Pompeii Sites the use and design of the party rooms. “The walls were painted black to prevent the smoke from the oil lamps being seen on the walls,” Zuchtriegel said. “People would meet to dine after sunset; the flickering light of the lamps had the effect of making the images appear to move, especially after a few glasses of good Campanian wine.
Zuchtriegel continued: “The mythological couples provided ideas for conversations about the past and life, only seemingly of a merely romantic nature. In reality, they refer to the relationship between the individual and fate: Cassandra who can see the future but no one believes her, Apollo who sides with the Trojans against the Greek invaders, but being a god, cannot ensure victory.”
Archaeological Park of Pompeii
New discoveries seem to come out of Pompeii every few weeks.
Several months ago, students used AI to decipher an ancient Herculean scroll found at the site. This latest discovery is part of a larger operation to fortify the perimeter between the excavated and non-excavated areas in Pompeii, which officials hope will make the historic site more sustainable for future generations.
The dig has already uncovered two connected homes, along with a bakery, a laundry facility, and a variety of sumptuously designed, frescoed living rooms which were being renovated at the time of Pompeii’s destruction.
